Most organic / real / analogue sounding DAC (ideally with Volume Control) for $1500??????


I’d say I’m completely jaded with digital Hifi.   All sounds so thin & clinical.

I people raving about Benchmark DACs & Chord Mojos etc. They sound like hell to me.   Nothing at all like real live voices & instruments.

I’ve been reading about R2R Ladders & NOS.   The descriptions match what I’m looking for.   I want natural sound that makes me forget about Hifi & just listen to the music.
like Reel to Reel without the faff.

Lifelike is my aim, but I certainly prefer a warm, dark sound over clinical.

Don't need a load of inputs.  Only need 2 or 3.
I don’t have any analog sources, so prefer the DAC to have Volume Control to eliminate the need for a Pre Amp.   However, if the best sounding DACs don’t have Volume Control & there are clear sonic benefits to having a Preamp, then I could be persuaded.

I’m in UK btw, so need brands that ship to UK.


Suggestions please?


Thanks

singintheblues
I would look for a used Lumin, probably a D1.  It's a player/streamer w/ a DAC and volume control.  I had a T1 and now an A1 with upgraded external PSU.  I would say they get more natural sounding as you go up to the A1, but the D1 is very impressive for the price.  
The app is also very good and the Lumin can upsample and receive firmware updates to keep up to date (MQA, etc.)
Good luck!
Look at an Antelope Audio Zodiac Gold + Voltikus power supply: top DAC, very flexible inputs and very good preamp. There is a review on 6moons